Gregory Davrazos, Computer Science Teacher in Secondary EducationAlexandra Diamantopoulou, French Language Teacher in Secondary Education

European University CyprusBreaking Classroom Silences: addressing sensitive issues in

educationNicosia, 2013

Bullying can be defined in many different ways.If bullying is done by a group, it is called mobbing. Bullying in school and the workplace is also referred to as peer abuse.

Bullying is the use of force, threat or coercion to abuse, intimidate or impose domination over others. The behaviour is often repeated and habitual. Behaviours used to assert such domination can include verbal harassment or threat, physical assault or coercion, and such acts may be directed repeatedly towards particular targets. Justifications and rationalizations for such behaviour sometimes include differences of class, race, religion, gender, sexuality, appearance, behaviour or ability (Wikipedia).

Bullying consists of 4 basic types of abuse:

◦ emotional / relational◦ verbal◦ physical and◦ cyber

The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of teachers in Greek public schools in both primary and secondary education (junior High School and senior High School): on which subjects they consider suitable for the design and implementation of interventions to prevent bullying incidents and on which teaching methodology they consider to be suitable for its accomplishment.

According to teachers, which school subjects are ideal for implementing interventions regarding bullying?

According to teachers, which teaching techniques are suitable for implementing interventions regarding bullying?

In total 300 primary and secondary school teachers took part in the present study. 200 of them work in primary education while 100 in secondary education (50 in junior High Schools and 50 in senior High Schools).

The majority are women:◦ 76,5 % in Primary schools◦ 80 % in junior High Schools ◦ 72 % in senior High Schools

54,5 % hold a university degree 4,7 % are graduates of a Higher Technological Institute 38,9 % have a master’s degree 2 % (6 out of 300) hold a Phd.

Quantitative research A questionnaire was diffused through social networks (Facebook). The data was analyzed with SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science).

The most suitable subjects for the design and implementation of interventions to prevent bullying incidents are:Primary School Ευέλικτη Ζώνη Theatre Education Citizenship Education Greek Language Optional Cultural Programmes Optional Programmes about Health Education Optional European Programmes

The most suitable subjects for the design and implementation of interventions to prevent bullying incidents are:Junior High School Optional Cultural Programmes Citizenship Education Optional Programmes about Health Education Arts Modern Greek Litterature Optional European Programmes Modern Greek Language Religion

The most suitable subjects for the design and implementation of interventions to prevent bullying incidents are:Senior High School Projects Sociology Έκφραση – Έκθεση Optional Programmes about Health Education Optional Cultural Programmes Optional European Programmes

The most unsuitable subjects for the design and implementation of interventions to prevent bullying incidents are: Primary School Mathematics Physics Geography

The most unsuitable subjects for the design and implementation of interventions to prevent bullying incidents are: Junior High School Mathematics Physics Chemistry Ancient Greek Language Geography / Geology Ancient Greek Litterature Biology Technology School Vocational Guidance

The most unsuitable subjects for the design and implementation of interventions to prevent bullying incidents are: Senior High School Chemistry Algebra Geometry Physics Mathematics Economy studies Biology Ancient Greek Language and Litterature

The most suitable teaching methodologies are:◦ Role playing (95%)◦ Cooperative learning (90,7%)◦ Dialogue (90,6%)◦ Problem-solving method (83%)◦ Case study (84%)◦ Projects (81,7%)◦ Interdisciplinary approach (82,4%)◦ Inquiry-based method (78,6%)◦ Brainstorming (76,3%)◦ Expert Talk (60,4%)◦ Presentation (45,4%)

The sample selection was made through social networks. Therefore, in no case can we speak of a random sample.

The sample shows an unsatisfactory representation of certain specialties. Some specialties may not be represented at all in this research.

Total absence of Secondary Technical Education.